How Reliable Is Your High-Mileage Acura RSX-S?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reliability and condition of high-mileage vehicles, particularly focusing on personal experiences with various car models, including the Acura RSX-S. Participants share insights about their cars' conditions, maintenance issues, and general longevity, touching on both anecdotal evidence and personal opinions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the condition of high-mileage cars, asking about rust, interior condition, and any major faults that might prompt a new purchase.
  • Others express skepticism about the relevance of the topic to science, suggesting that discussions in the forum can be broader than strictly scientific inquiries.
  • Several participants share their personal experiences with high-mileage vehicles, noting that some cars, like Toyotas, are reputed for their longevity and reliability.
  • One participant mentions a 1996 Toyota that has over 200,000 miles but is still operational, attributing its longevity to careful driving habits.
  • Another participant discusses their experiences with various models, including a Nissan Pathfinder and a Chrysler Town & Country, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of each vehicle.
  • Some participants reflect on the importance of curiosity in discussions, suggesting that asking unusual questions can be a valuable part of human interaction.
  • There are mentions of specific mileage figures, with one participant recalling a Toyota that reportedly had over 380,000 miles, indicating a potential for very high mileage in certain models.
  • Concerns are raised about the performance and maintenance of specific vehicles, with some participants noting issues like rust and mechanical reliability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share personal anecdotes and experiences, but there is no consensus on the reliability of specific models or the relevance of the discussion to scientific inquiry. Multiple competing views on the topic remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of concern about the condition and reliability of high-mileage vehicles, with some emphasizing the importance of maintenance and driving habits. There are also references to geographical factors affecting vehicle longevity, such as climate and road conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in automotive reliability, high-mileage vehicle performance, and personal experiences with car maintenance may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
wolram said:
You say the Toyota was under powered but it did 190.000 it must have been a good engine if you had to put it to the metal all the time.
The Tercel was fine / excellent around town - the underpower issue came up on highway merge - esp when merging with a full car vs an empty one - the whole acceleration profile was different. It 3 speed auto with OD - so highway / loaded hills - etc. The highway driving - I do have a heavy foot and it took this pretty well, but the noticeable difference was above 70 maybe 75 MPH - the fuel econ would seriously nosedive - the RPM just too high. We did take pretty good care of it - which pretty much amounted to regular oil changes. If I could buy the same car back today I probably would for my son ( about to turn 16)
 
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  • #32
wolram said:
Obviously you have not owned a Ford

Or a Cavalier!
 
  • #33
Acura RSX-S with close to 200,000 miles. However, this isn't a regular 200,000 miles of use. It's me driving this car to it's 8100 rpm redline under brutal acceleration. Downshifting the car under hard conditions. This little car is a pocket rocket. Not one single problem. Most cars driven in these conditions wouldn't make it past 100K miles. Of course, I change the oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and all the filters. When it comes to performance and reliability, Honda's engineering is legendary. The K20 engine that is utilized throughout the Honda/Acura fleet has proven itself as one the most high-strung engines with bullet proof reliability that requires little maintenance. About the only other engines that I know that can with stand this level abuse are the 1ZZ-EE in the Toyota Celica GT-S (made in tandem with Yamaha) and the F20C in the S2000. Of course, there are the engines created by BMW's M-division and all the Italian sports car automakers but they require horrid and expensive maintenance to have this level of performance.

I've replaced some of the leather and other interior pieces. No rust because I clay bar the car's paint, strip, wax, and re-coat.
 

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